We left from South Carolina the day before our cruise just to make the drive more leisurely. We arrived on Saturday and stayed at the Radisson. It was very nice with lots of restaurants nearby. Much less expensive than the closer hotels. Only 55 dollars a night. And it was only 2 exits from Pt. Canaveral.
We arrived at the pier at 10:30 and were on the ship by 11:15. Very efficient as always. We are platinum members so that also made a difference. But I would imagine only by 20 minutes or so.
The ship is just lovely. We have cruised fairly often and there is nothing that beats the look of the Mariner. The decor, the promenade, the dining areas. All of it is simply stunning.